VETERAN JOURNALIST Tom Brokaw is sure to find plenty of stories along U.S. Highway 50, which covers 3,000 miles across 12 states. Because U.S. 50 runs through Emporia, now is our chance to ensure he discovers our town.
Brokaw is producing a documentary for the USA Network, called “American Character Along Highway 50.” In it, according to information on the Web site, “Brokaw will document the lives of the Americans he encounters, exploring the profound economic, political and cultural changes they are experiencing during these uncertain, and particularly historic, times.”
Producers for the show are using the Web site, www.highway50.tv, to process nominations for towns. Just go to the Web site and click on “Community” along the top horizontal menu. A nomination form will appear.
The Gazette has worked with Emporia Main Street and the Convention and Visitors Bureau to submit formal applications. But more cannot hurt.
One Gazette reader has suggested that Brokaw might be drawn to Emporia’s role in World War II history. After all, he has long celebrated the World War II generation — and Emporia is the birthplace of Veterans Day.
But there are other factors that could draw him here.
He already has reported from Cambridge, Md., a crab-fishing town where the economy is forcing fishermen to look for second jobs. He profiled Amanda Bramble, who returned to her hometown with a dream of opening a restaurant that serves fresh, locally caught fish, oysters and crab. When Bramble couldn’t secure traditional bank financing, nine local residents offered money and sweat equity to make her dream a reality.
Take a minute now and go to http://www.highway50.tv. Tell Brokaw what makes Emporia unique. Urge him to visit Emporia.